Praziquantel suspension for dogs

Praziquantel Plus suspension is a modern, Russian-made anthelmintic suitable for large and small dogs, as well as puppies. When used according to the recommended dosage, it is considered safe and rarely causes side effects. It can be used to treat helminthic infestations and for preventative purposes.

Composition and release form

The active ingredients in the suspension are the following components:

• Praziquantel has a detrimental effect on tapeworms and roundworms worms;
• Pyrantel pamoate destroys parasites and cleanses the body of toxins (waste products of parasites);
• Febantel has a lethal effect on intestinal helminths (included only in Prazicide Plus).

The composition also includes auxiliary substances, including purified water, glycerin, flavoring, sweetener, etc.

The medication is available as a yellowish liquid. It has no strong odor and a pleasant sweet taste (as stated in the instructions), so animals consume it without any problems. The suspension is packaged in polymer bottles with screw-on lids. The lids are child-resistant. Bottle sizes range from 5 to 15 ml. Each package includes instructions and a dosing syringe, making it much easier to measure out the required amount of medication.

Depending on the concentration and ratio of active ingredients, the medicine is available in several versions:

1. 1 ml of Praziquantel 20 contains 5 mg of praziquantel and 15 mg of pyrantel pamoate. It is intended for small-breed puppies.
2. Praziquantel 40 contains 10 mg of praziquantel and 30 mg of pyrantel pamoate per milligram of liquid medication. It is suitable for puppies of large and medium breeds, as well as small breeds.
3. Praziquantel 60 is suitable for adult dogs, including large breeds. Each ml contains 15 mg of praziquantel and 45 mg of pyrantel pamoate.
4. Praziquantel Plus is unique in that it also contains febantel. It contains 15 mg of praziquantel, 45 mg each of febantel and pyrantel pamoate. It can be used for adults and puppies of large breeds.

When purchasing a drug, you should pay attention to the concentration of active ingredients and its purpose.

Pharmacological properties

The medication is effective against various types of gastrointestinal parasites. Its broad spectrum of action is achieved through the combined action of its active ingredients:

1. Praziquantel has a negative effect on cestodes. Increased permeability of cell membranes disrupts nerve impulse transmission. This disrupts metabolic processes, leading to paralysis and death of the parasites. The substance affects mature helminths, as well as their larvae and eggs. It promotes cleansing of the body of worms by eliminating them.
2. Pyrantel Pamoate acts on various types of nematodes. It blocks the transmission of nerve impulses, which ultimately leads to the death of the parasites.
3. Febantel prevents the absorption of glucose by parasites and the production of tubulin, which causes the death of helminths.

Praziquantel is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream via the gastrointestinal tract. Plasma concentrations reach their peak after just a couple of hours. It is eliminated from the body within 24 hours. Pyrantel pamoate, on the other hand, is absorbed and eliminated over a prolonged period, ensuring its effectiveness lasts for several months.

Indications for use

Praziquantel Plus suspension is prescribed to small and large breed dogs for the treatment of gastrointestinal parasites:

• with uncinariasis;
• with toxocariasis;
• with hookworm;
• for toxascariasis;
• with dipylidia;
• in case of taeniasis;
• with trichuriasis;
• with diphyllobithriasis;
• in mesocestoidosis, etc.

It is also used to treat mixed helminthic infestations. Furthermore, the medication is suitable for prophylactic purposes, that is, to prevent infection with internal parasites. The drug can also be used for deworming before vaccination.

Instructions for use

When using an anthelmintic drug, the dose must be calculated based on the concentration of active substances and the weight of the animal:

1. For small breed puppies, use Prazicid 20. 1 ml of the drug is required for each kilogram of weight.
2. For small and medium-sized pets, as well as large-breed puppies, it is best to use Prazicid 40. The dosage should be calculated based on 1 ml of medication per 2 kilograms of body weight.
3. For dogs of all sizes, use Praziquantel 60 or Plus. The recommended dose is 1 ml of liquid per 3 kg of pet weight.

The instructions for use indicate that it is necessary to follow a number of simple recommendations when using Praziquantel suspension for dogs:

1. If the drug is used for treatment, it is given to pets once. For severe or mixed infestations, the procedure is repeated after 10 days.
2. If the medicine is used for prevention, the dose should be repeated every three months.
3. The medication should be administered in the morning. It can be mixed with a small amount of food or administered forcefully to the back of the tongue to prevent the pet from spitting it out.
4. Before measuring out the medicine with the dispenser, it is necessary to shake the bottle well, since the suspension tends to separate during long-term storage.
5. No preparatory procedures are required before administering the anthelmintic. The dog does not need to be on a diet or given an enema.

Contraindications and side effects

When used as directed, Praziquantel suspension is considered safe for dogs, but in some cases it may be best to avoid its use. Administration should be postponed in the following cases:

• age of puppies up to 3 weeks;
• infectious diseases;
• postoperative period;
• individual intolerance to the components included in the composition.

This medication is not recommended for weakened animals. Pregnant bitches should not be given the suspension 3 weeks before parturition and 14-20 days after parturition. During the remainder of pregnancy and lactation, use after consultation with a veterinarian.

If the dose is exceeded, the following phenomena may be observed:

• increased salivation;
• diarrhea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal disorders;
• lethargy;
• refusal to eat;
• oppression.

It is necessary to take measures to quickly remove the drug from the body and consult a doctor.

If the dose is not exceeded, there are no side effects. Occasionally, allergic reactions may occur. These may manifest as rashes, itching, and other symptoms. In such cases, the medication is discontinued and the pet is prescribed antihistamines and other symptomatic medications.

The anthelmintic should not be used together with medications containing piperazine.

Precautions and storage

When handling medication, veterinarians should follow simple safety precautions. Avoid eating, drinking, and smoking during the procedure. Wash your hands after administering the medication. People with known hypersensitivity should exercise particular caution. The ingredients in the formulation may cause an allergic reaction.

When storing, the following conditions must be observed:

• temperature range from 0 to 25°C;
• absence of ultraviolet radiation and sun;
• dry place.

This medication should not be stored near food or feed. Keep the storage area out of the reach of children.

Price

If you decide to purchase Praziquantel suspension for dogs, the cost depends on the concentration and packaging volume:

• concentration 20 – 120-140 rubles for 6 ml;
• concentration 40 – 140-180 rubles for 9 ml;
• concentration 60 or plus – 150-200 rubles per 10 ml.

Owner reviews

Irina, Chihuahua owner:

"I know very well how important it is to deworm my dogs on time, especially if there's a child in the house. I've been using Prazicid suspension for my dogs since they were two months old. I'm very happy with it. It works great, but most importantly, it's easy to measure out the right amount. Owners of small dogs will understand. I recommend it to owners of both large and small breeds."

Victoria, owner of a Pekingese:

"We've been using this suspension for a while now, and we've had it tested multiple times—no worms have been found. Among the advantages, I'd like to point out the affordable price and convenient form of the product. The problem is, my Quince absolutely refuses to take pills. If you insist, she might chew them a little, but then she'll spit them out. With the suspension, there are no such problems. I mixed it with her food, and she gobbled it up without a second thought."

Veterinarian Reviews

Anton, a veterinarian at a provincial clinic:

"Prazicide is considered one of the most effective medications. It works well because it has a broad spectrum of action. In the town where I work, most dogs live outdoors, so taking measures to prevent worms is very important. I recommend the suspension for owners of small dogs, but for larger breeds, it's better to give tablets."

Lyudmila Mikhailovna, veterinarian:

"As long as you don't exceed the dose, Praziquantel is completely safe. I've had a case where the medication caused severe diarrhea in an animal, but it was the owners' fault. They measured it incorrectly, or rather, didn't pay attention to the concentration. I recommend using the medication as a preventative measure and before vaccinations for owners of small dogs and puppies. In my opinion, the medication is not suitable for large breeds, although it is available in various formulations. For larger pets, I usually prescribe Dronatal, Caniquantel or other anthelmintics."

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